CA (outdoor) since 2011, and won
the first known "light dep" cup in
Northern California in 2014.
inspection is scheduled. Here the
trained agricultural inspector looks
for the general health of the plants,
reviews the inputs actually used
What then does it mean to be a
and on site to confirm they are
Clean Green Certified Grower/
those listed on the application and
handler and what are the steps
a soil and leaf sample is collected.
required?
The inspection continues to the onfarm processing areas to inspect for
Just like the USDA National
Organic Program, the Clean Green cleanliness, wash down procedures
and other items.
Certified Program has a separate
certification process for the farmer After the on-site inspection is
(producer) and the retail outlet
completed and the results of the
(processor/handler). In this
soil sample received, the file goes
manner the products have been
through a final review by a certifier
third party certified from the final
different than the inspector. This
retail package back through the
assures a second look at the
facility and continued through the documents. If all appears in order a
farming and harvesting process at certification binder is mailed out to
the farm and back further to the
the new grower with a certification
seed or cutting.
included that is good for a full 12
For both the crop producer (indoor months from the date of issue.
or outdoor) and the processor/
Processor/handlers have an on-site
handler the process starts with an inspection as well but the items
application process that details the reviewed are suited for their end of
procedures of that facility. For
the business. During this
growers all soils, fertilizers and pest inspection lot number systems are
control measures are listed for
reviewed and the ability of the
review. With very few exceptions
facility to track their product
only inputs allowed under the
through the facility is confirmed
National Organic Program are
through both trace back and mock
allowed under the Clean Green
recall exercises. In addition the
Certified Program. Once the inputs facility's processing and retail areas
have been reviewed an on-site
are inspected for cleanliness and
basic safe handling procedures.
Both the Certified grower and
processor handler receive a
certificate that is good for one year,
with a renewal date listed on the
certificate. Most facilities proudly
post their certificate in an area that
customers or others can see.
When cannabis becomes federally
legal, growers and handlers will be
asked to move into the existing
structure of both agricultural and
food safety standards and
procedures. Some will want to
apply for the USDA Organic
certification. The Clean Green
program, now inspecting and
certifying cannabis in four states, is
an excellent way for those growers
and handlers to begin the
transition into those regulations.
Chris Van Hook is a California
medical cannabis compliance
Attorney and is the Director of the
Clean Green Certification Program.
He can be reached at:
www.cleangreencert.com or at
(707) 218 - 1069.
Greenhouse tunnel: a “light dep” crop inspection,
August 2014, Northern California.
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